Severe depression (major depressive disorder) is a serious and treatable illness that negatively affects our mood, mental and physical areas. Severe depression is a type of illness that does not correspond to the depressive state of mind commonly used, but differs from it in every respect and completely. Left untreated, severe depression can paralyze a person's life. Severe depression leads to a state of constant sadness and a lack of enjoyment of life. Severe depression causes a person's mood to change constantly. When this disease is ignored, it also negatively affects the person physically. People with depression have difficulty fulfilling their duties in their social life. Severe depression (major depressive disorder) is treated by a psychiatrist. The psychiatrist decides on the treatment to be applied according to the person's depression
What is Severe Depression?
Severe depression (major depressive disorder) is a mood disorder caused by sadness, stress and distress that negatively affects our mood. Severe depression causes us to be constantly unhappy and not enjoy pleasurable situations. People with severe depression may experience some physical and mental changes. These people have difficulty fulfilling their duties in their work and social life. Another factor that triggers the onset of the disease is chemical imbalance in different parts of the brain. Although severe depression affects individuals negatively, it is a medical illness that can be treated.
What Causes Severe Depression?
It is not very healthy to attribute severe depression to a single cause. Negativities and psychological factors can cause severe depression. The causes of severe depression can be analyzed in three groups: biological, psycho-social and genetic.
Biological Causes: The brain contains hormones such as norepinephrine and serotonin. Research has shown that these hormones are associated with depression.
Psycho-Social Causes: It has been observed that people who are constantly under stress in daily life are more prone to depression. Traumas experienced at a young age increase the likelihood of depression at a later age. Failure to meet the feelings of being loved, belonging, trust, and acceptance needed at a young age can lead to depression at a later age.
Genetic Causes: Depression is frequently seen in the first-degree relatives of patients with severe depression. The reason for this is that individuals with depression reflect their problems to their relatives.
What are the Symptoms of Severe Depression?
Severe depression is characterized by physical, psychological and mental symptoms. Not enjoying life and not being able to fulfill routine tasks are the most prominent features of the disease. As examples of symptoms of severe depression, we can list the following conditions.
- The individual feels unhappy and restless. There is a feeling of guilt and worthlessness.
- Apathy begins in all areas of daily life.
- People are in a depressed mood throughout the day, especially when they wake up.
- Due to severe reluctance and weakness, daily tasks are disrupted.
- The individual becomes unable to enjoy life.
- The person has difficulty motivating himself/herself. Therefore, they have difficulty focusing on setting and implementing goals for the future.
- Weight loss is seen due to eating and drinking disorders. If the person tends to overeat, weight gain occurs.
- Clouding of the mind, attention deficit and panic attacks increase.
- Internal distress, anxiety disorders and feelings of tension may occur. There may be crying spells. Some patients complain of not being able to cry.
- Excessive desire to sleep and difficulty waking up in the morning are very common. Insomnia and difficulty falling asleep may occur.
- The individual's confidence in himself/herself and his/her environment decreases. He/she may feel lonely.
- The person starts to withdraw from his/her social environment.
- Motivation decreases, energy decreases and the person gets tired very quickly.
- With severe depression, the person experiences stomach and intestinal problems.
- The person starts to live in the past all the time.
- Sexual reluctance occurs.
- People with severe depression may harm themselves.
- Thoughts of death or suicide become more frequent.
Severe depression can occur at any age, from childhood to old age. It is more common in women. People who have had depression once can get depressed again in their later years.
How is severe depression diagnosed?
In order for a person to be diagnosed with severe depression, they must first be evaluated by a specialist.
At least 5 of the following items must be present in the person and must occur throughout the day for at least 15 days.
- Depressive mood disorder
- Lack of enjoyment, onset of apathy - decreased desire
- Decrease or increase in eating and drinking
- Lack of sleep or the desire to sleep too much
- Slowing of thinking and physical activity
- Lack of energy, exhaustion
- Feelings of worthlessness and guilt
- Loss of function and suicidal tendencies occur.
- It is not associated with different mental illnesses.
- The person does not have manic or hypomanic episodes.
How is severe depression treated?
Severe depression (major depressive disorder) is not a disease that can be treated without the support of a specialist. Antidepressant medication is recommended by the specialist to keep the symptoms of this illness under control. Psychotherapy or talk therapy may also be recommended to observe the person's emotional state. In addition, hypnosis can also be used as a treatment for depression.
Sometimes, in addition to antidepressants, certain medications may be more effective in treating the illness. There are other treatment options for clinical depression. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can be used when medication is not effective or when symptoms are significant. Regular use of antidepressants starts to work after 2-3 weeks.
Another effective method for treating severe depression is to pay attention to one's diet. In addition to nutrition, doing sports keeps the individual fit and positively affects the mood. If the individual consciously tries to manage his/her stress and maintains social relationships, he/she will regain his/her health faster. In addition to professional treatment, individuals can help themselves by using these self-care methods.